Dawn Paulette McCullough (age 66) was taken by the Lord on the evening of October 29, 2025, after a long and hard-fought battle with dementia. She passed away at home in the company of her loving friends and family.

Dawn was born on May 29, 1959, to Paul and Georgia (Smith) Lund in Missoula, MT. Her older brother, Scott, also welcomed her to the world. Two years later, her younger brother, Ross, joined the family (who she playfully tortured until he outgrew her).

Dawn attended Smith Elementary School in Helena, MT, which was also attended by her grandkids years later, before transferring to Clancy Elementary School. Dawn graduated from Jefferson High School in 1977.

While attending high school, Dawn met a young man named Bob McCullough on a hayride. They soon fell in love and were married in October of 1976. Their first son, Nakoa, was born on February 13, 1980. Motherhood agreed with Dawn, and she was soon blessed with a second son, Austin, who was born on May 18, 1981. Dawn spent the next five years nurturing and loving her boys as a stay-at-home mom, while also caring for many other young children as a babysitter.

After the kids went to school, Dawn pursued her dream of becoming a licensed Cosmetologist. Dawn excelled in the profession, where she won many awards during her career, travelled across the United States to teach classes, and eventually became a Salon Manager. Dawn worked in the field for her entire professional career, except during a three­year period when the family embarked on an adventure to Gardiner, MT, where Bob and Dawn co-managed a small ranch.

Dawn loved her family endlessly and spent as much time with them as possible. She enjoyed family adventures in the outdoors (hunting, camping, and riding horses) or watching her kids and grandkids play a variety of sports. In her free time, Dawn spent much of her time sewing and quilting. She was an award-winning quilter and always credited her mom, Georgia, for teaching her the seamstress skills.

Dawn is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bob, of Jefferson City, MT; her sons Nakoa, of Twin Bridges, MT, and Austin, of Helena, MT; her grandchildren Madison, Canyon, and Ryan of Helena, MT; her mom, Georgia Welton, of Valleyford, WA; her brothers Scott (Deb) Lund, of Billings, MT, and Ross (Sueann) Lund, of Paulsbo, WA; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceding her in death was her father, Paul Lund, all her aunts and uncles, and her cousin, Rusty Lund.

Through love and kindness, Dawn fought her battle with dementia with strength, courage, and grace. She smiled each day, like it was a shield covering her heart. She wore that shield until her last breath-a fighter to the end. Rest in peace, my love, for the sun will always shine on you.

A special thank you to all the friends and family who accompanied us on this journey. Without you to keep me strong, I would not have made it.

A service to celebrate Dawn's life will be held at the Catholic Church Community Center in Boulder, MT, on November 15, 2025, at 11 :00 AM. A luncheon will follow the service.